Febrile seizures
Febrile seizures
A febrile seizure is a fit that can happen when a child has a fever. It is also sometimes called a febrile convulsion.
Febrile seizures are quite common and usually aren't serious. Most children recover fully afterwards.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 or go to A&E if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing
- this is your child’s first seizure
- the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
Phone 111 if:
- your child has had febrile seizures before
- the seizure lasts less than 5 minutes
- your child has signs of dehydration like sunken eyes, dry mouth or no tears when they cry
What to do during a seizure
If a child is having a febrile seizure, place them in the recovery position. To do this:
- Lay them on their side, on a soft surface.
- Turn their face to one side.
This will stop them swallowing any vomit, keep their airway open and help prevent injury.
Stay with your child and try to make a note of how long the seizure lasts.
Don’t put anything, including medication, in your child’s mouth during a seizure.
There’s a small chance that they might bite their tongue.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 or go to A&E if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing
- this is your child’s first seizure
- the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
Phone 111 if:
- your child has had febrile seizures before
- the seizure lasts less than 5 minutes
- your child has signs of dehydration like sunken eyes, dry mouth or no tears when they cry
What to do during a seizure
If a child is having a febrile seizure, place them in the recovery position. To do this:
- Lay them on their side, on a soft surface.
- Turn their face to one side.
This will stop them swallowing any vomit, keep their airway open and help prevent injury.
Stay with your child and try to make a note of how long the seizure lasts.
Don’t put anything, including medication, in your child’s mouth during a seizure.
There’s a small chance that they might bite their tongue.
Causes
What causes febrile seizures?
It’s not known exactly what causes febrile seizures, but they’re linked to a rise in temperature.
A high temperature can be caused by infections like:
- chickenpox
- flu
- middle ear infections
- tonsilitis
- a urinary tract infection (UTI)
Febrile seizures can also happen when a child’s temperature drops from a high level.
Having a family history of febrile seizures may increase the chances of having one.
In rare cases, febrile seizures can happen after a child has a vaccination.
Who’s most at risk of febrile seizures
Febrile seizures are most likely between the age of 6 months and 3 years.
Diagnosis
Doctors can often diagnose febrile seizures just from your account of what happened.
It helps to know:
- how long the seizure lasted
- what happened during it
- if your child recovered within an hour
- if your child has had a seizure before
Sometimes your child may need further tests to help find out why the seizures are happening.
Treatment
Often a febrile seizure doesn't need any specific treatment.
If a high temperature is behind the seizure, bringing it down can make your child feel more comfortable. Children's paracetamol and ibuprofen can help lower a high temperature. They work as antipyretics, which reduce fever, and they ease discomfort too. You shouldn't give both at the same time, but if one doesn't seem to work, you can try the other later.
Removing extra clothing and bedding can also help bring your child's temperature down.
It's important to prevent dehydration during a fever, so make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids.
Your doctor can give you more advice on treating a high temperature.
Complications
Complications of febrile seizures
Children who have had complex febrile seizures have a small chance of developing epilepsy.
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